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Free Mountain Biking Instruction at Russell Mills Town Forest

June 13th, 2013, 12:13 PM

Free 3 hour mountain bike instruction on June 24th at Russell Mills Town Forest from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Come join the fun and get a taste of what Mountain Biking School has to offer. All levels and ages welcome.
You just need an interest or passion for mountain biking, helmet and working bike.

After seeing this ad peppered on various sites and numerous forums, I have a few questions:

1. Is this a NEMBA approved/sactioned/supported event? It's posted in this NEMBA Events thread.
2. Has anyone else checked the website? $400+ for 2 days of instruction!!!!!!!!!
3. What is NEMBA's liability if this company takes paid customers out on a tour of a local trail network where NEMBA provides trail work ( i.e Russell Mills, Nam, etc...) and someone gets injured?
4. Is it legal for a private company to make money via a service provided on public land. I'm sure the City of Lowell would be interested in knowing if I set up a beer for $$$ stand at the top of Hellevator!

Full disclosure: IMO, it's a good thing to get people into 'our' sport. I believe these folks need the proper equipment, support, instruction, and legal places to ride. Sorry but I still can't wrap my head around why anyone would pay $400+ for 2 days of instruction when any NEMBA Chapter in the Northeast could/would/will provide the same support free of charge. All a newbie has to do is join NEMBA, contact a representative from any Chapter, explain they are new to the sport and are looking for instruction/information/a ride guide......nd I'm sure that person would be hooked up big time between group rides, PYT rides, information on Clinics (free of charge) private tours, etc. I know I don't have all the information on this company, but this doesn't sit well with me.

I may be way off base with my concerns, but something doesn't seem right here

Slaphead Mofo Leisure Team
Sunday River Bike Park

Comment

Comment

1) This is not a NEMBA event. We've worked hard and listened to NEMBA and MVNEMBA to call Russell Mills Town Forest our home. NEMBA is well aware of what we are trying to accomplish. MVNEMBA trail steward will be there to participate in the event.
2) We've surveyed and discovered that many mountain bike riders are eagerly willing to spend north of $3000 on a bike and over a $1000 a year on gear. Cost items with no depreciation expense, can wear/tear and need to be replaced. Investing in yourself to upgrade and improve your skill set has an instant and continuous ROI. It's done by golfers, skiers, ball players or anyone looking to improve on recreational activities- why not mountain biking. Compared to golf, tennis and ski lessons for two day instructional- we are a great buy.
3)NEMBA has a $1 Million dollar policy and so do we through Sports Insurance. Plus, there is a waiver form to be signed before participating.
4) Mountain Biking School appeared before the Chelmsford Conservation Commission June 4th. We were given permission to conduct our operation in Russell Mills Towns Forest with conditions- not having a beer stand being one of them. You'll find us in the agenda and minute notes for June 4th:

Please come on out Monday. We offer something a lot more personalized than dragging riders around on a group ride and telling them to just do it like me. You'll see it in the three hours. We offer a clear path to mastering fundamentals. The same fundamentals that can turn one into a complete and creative rider. Sure, I can golf with a bunch a pros. That doesn't mean I'll get any better. But learning from someone who can break each skill set down into concepts and components that are easily understandable; we can do that with mountain biking.
Our two day program is more mentally exhausting than physical. We are peppering participants with a lot of information and drills to reinforce. Once again, check out the free instructional June 24th to get an idea of what we do.

After seeing this ad peppered on various sites and numerous forums, I have a few questions:

1. Is this a NEMBA approved/sactioned/supported event? It's posted in this NEMBA Events thread.
2. Has anyone else checked the website? $400+ for 2 days of instruction!!!!!!!!!
3. What is NEMBA's liability if this company takes paid customers out on a tour of a local trail network where NEMBA provides trail work ( i.e Russell Mills, Nam, etc...) and someone gets injured?
4. Is it legal for a private company to make money via a service provided on public land. I'm sure the City of Lowell would be interested in knowing if I set up a beer for $$$ stand at the top of Hellevator!

Full disclosure: IMO, it's a good thing to get people into 'our' sport. I believe these folks need the proper equipment, support, instruction, and legal places to ride. Sorry but I still can't wrap my head around why anyone would pay $400+ for 2 days of instruction when any NEMBA Chapter in the Northeast could/would/will provide the same support free of charge. All a newbie has to do is join NEMBA, contact a representative from any Chapter, explain they are new to the sport and are looking for instruction/information/a ride guide......nd I'm sure that person would be hooked up big time between group rides, PYT rides, information on Clinics (free of charge) private tours, etc. I know I don't have all the information on this company, but this doesn't sit well with me.

I may be way off base with my concerns, but something doesn't seem right here

Comment

I for one have been waiting for a long time for something like this. I go to the group rides and to the MV NEMB and GB NEMBA skills days which are great but you get maybe one a season. I am going to try to get there on Monday if I can!

Kona Satori

Comment

1) This is a NEMBA approved event. We've worked hard with NEMBA and MVNEMBA to call Russell Mills Town Forest our home. NEMBA is well aware of what we are trying to accomplish. MVNEMBA trail steward will be there to participate in the event.
2) We've surveyed and discovered that many mountain bike riders are eagerly willing to spend north of $3000 on a bike and over a $1000 a year on gear. Cost items with no depreciation expense, can wear/tear and need to be replaced. Investing in yourself to upgrade and improve your skill set has an instant and continuous ROI. It's done by golfers, skiers, ball players or anyone looking to improve on recreational activities- why not mountain biking. Compared to golf, tennis and ski lessons for two day instructional- we are a great buy.
3)NEMBA has a $1 Million dollar policy and so do we through Sports Insurance. Plus, there is a waiver form to be signed before participating.
4) Mountain Biking School appeared before the Chelmsford Conservation Commission June 4th. We were given permission to conduct our operation in Russell Mills Towns Forest with conditions- not having a beer stand being one of them. You'll find us in the agenda and minute notes for June 4th:

Please come on out Monday. We offer something a lot more personalized than dragging riders around on a group ride and telling them to just do it like me. You'll see it in the three hours. We offer a clear path to mastering fundamentals. The same fundamentals that can turn one into a complete and creative rider. Sure, I can golf with a bunch a pros. That doesn't mean I'll get any better. But learning from someone who can break each skill set down into concepts and components that are easily understandable; we can do that with mountain biking.
Our two day program is more mentally exhausting than physical. We are peppering participants with a lot of information and drills to reinforce. Once again, check out the free instructional June 24th to get an idea of what we do.

hope to see you there,

Sean

Sean,
Thank you for the explaination. It sounds like you have a solid plan in place to educate and provide instruction to the masses. It's clear you've gone through the appropriate channels to gather access, approval, and blessing of the Town of Chelmsford and also NEMBA.

I agree in that the worst thing a person can do is grab a newbie (or someone looking to progress to the next level) and say 'do what I do' or 'follow me' without much more than that. I've been on a mountain bike for 25+ years and have introduced many to the sport. I certainly don't consider myself an instructor or carry any certifications, but feel I have more than enough knowledge, wisdom, and experience in my back pocket to help someone progress. I've been on many group rides and participated in many NEMBA skills clinics and never once did I hear or witness that type of teaching.

You list other activities such as golf, skiing, etc.......... In my experience (I'm an ex-Ski Patrol & ex-Ski Instructor), both of those activities require the professional license and certification in order to teach at a resort or a golf course. I see nothing wrong with paying professionals for their wisdom. I've taken plenty of ski and golf lessons in my life.

IMO, if I was to pay $400+ for mountain bike instruction I would expect my instructors have not only years of experience but also the latest mountain biking certifications. Have the instructors with your organization completed IMBA's ICP, IMIC, or the PMBI curriculm? Do they hold these or any other certifications? You also mention that you cover nutrition with your customers which I feel is ultra important for those looking to reach the next level. Do your instructors also carry an ISSN ( International Society of Sport's Nutrition) or a CSSD ( Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics)?

Again, I see nothing wrong with your company or your mission. I believe it could be a tremendous source of support for those willing to pay for instruction. After checking out your website and reading your thoughtful response, I wish you the best.

PS- Please work on the beer stand. I think it would be great for business